Recreation not only be interpreted to have fun or trying out a new atmosphere. Because, besides the physical, spiritual and recreational needs of your soul as well. One of them could with religious tourism. Religion tourism can be defined as tourism activities that have special significance for religious people, can be a place of worship which has advantages in terms of history, architecture, and myth (legend) about the place. In addition to broaden the horizon, tourism can also strengthen religious faith in the Creator.
In the capital of Central Java, you can find some of the most visited religious tourism travelers. Semarang is famous for the legendary places even since the time of the trustees. This uniqueness may be found in the Great Mosque of Central Java (MAJT), Blenduk Church, Shrine and the Shrine of the Stone House Bodhagaya.
Great Mosque of Central Java
This mosque has a unique architecture that is a combination of Java and the Middle East. Form of the dome, arches, geometry and calligraphy eight stars represent the Islamic culture. While decorative puppets and batik purwa in some parts of the mosque described the Javanese culture.
Tower, than can be used to enjoy the full beauty of the city of Semarang can also be used to view the moon as a sign into the month of Ramadan or Eid. The tower is equipped with a rotating floor (devolving floor). Inspire of Nabawi Mosque in Medina, MAJT also has electric umbrella that can protect from the sun 13 000 congregation. You can also see the Quran and Bedug giant public donations in Central Java in the interior of the mosque.
Church Blenduk
Built in early 1753 by the Dutch architect who has lived in Semarang at the time of De Wilde and Westmas. Ornaments that fill in the church is still original since the first pastor John Wihelkmus Semkar in 1753-1760, among them such as a colored floor tiles in many colors, antique piano organ works of P Farwangler and Hummer, the benches of teak which progressively rises back , and where the pulpit for the sermon. Its capacity to accommodate 400 pilgrims, and in addition to worship services are also used for a wedding blessing ceremony. Blenduk Church opened the doors to the tourists who want to come see the splendor of the architecture of this colonial legacy, including for non-Christian visitors.
Vihara Bodhagaya
Bodhagaya Vihara was the first monastery in Indonesia. Established in 1957. The most unique of these is the Pagoda Vihara Avalokitesvara. Built with materials and statues that all were imported from China to honor the Goddess of Love, which is Kwan Im. This pagoda has a height of 45 feet consisting of seven levels with each of the four statues Dewi Kwan Im facing the cardinal directions at each level.
Stone Building
Stone Building is a pagoda-shaped ruins of a Chinese admiral named Zheng Ho (Cheng Ho) or more commonly known as Sam Po Tay Djien. Located in Simongan area, southwest of Semarang city. Although, as a place of worship and pilgrimage for residents Tionghoa, but the pagoda is also frequented by Muslims and Buddhists, because in the complex there is a tomb of one of Cheng Ho’s ship crew commonly called Kyai citizens as helmsman, sometimes Muslim pilgrimage to This tomb.
From the time our ancestors until now, harmony and religious tolerance is very tightly held. This is reflected in the architecture of places of worship in various parts of the archipelago which sometimes combine elements from various religions. Of course this is a PR for our future generations to continue to preserve and maintain inter-religious tolerance. Well, have you prepare your spirituality with religion tourism?
